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Vendy Awards return to NOLA on April 3rd

Food trucks might have taken a while to really take off in New Orleans compared to other American cities, but there's no doubt that mobile food vending has wholly captured the love and attention of Big Easy diners. Nothing proves this more than a return of the Vendy Awards to the Crescent City on April 3rd, when trucks and event caterers alike will battle it out to see who reigns supreme.

"We're so happy to come back to New Orleans," said Vendy Awards managing director Zeina Muna. "It has such a rich food history, and that's one of the reasons we picked it as a place we wanted to expand. And also there's a great culture of street fairs and parades and of course there's always food, so we're just hoping to celebrate that and be a part of it. Also, for all of the chefs at local businesses that have worked so hard for so long, this is a great way for them to really break through and show people what they're all about."

KIM WELSH/VENDY AWARDS

Truck or no truck, all mobile vendors are encouraged to get in the ring. "We like to call them 'sidewalk chefs,'" said Muna, "which encompasses all the mobile vendors, whether they have a truck, a cart, or a catering company. We love them all."

The list of competing vendors is still shaping up and not final, but early confirmed vendors include returning champ Foodie Call, as well as finalists from last year La Cocinita, Empanada Intafada as well as the Queen of Yaka Mein, Ms. Linda Green. An official list of finalists and their bios will be announced soon on the Vendy Awards Website.

A panel of judges will ultimately select the Vendy Cup winner, which comes with title, glory and a silver medal for display. Attendees also can vote on a People's Choice Award.

Tickets are available online for between $6 for a basic ticket (pay-as-you-go, plus a single drink ticket) and $36 per person, which will get you four beers plus a sample from each vendor. There's also a "date night special" ticketing item this year, which includes two premium tickets for $65, with limited quantities. The Vendy Awards will take place on Thursday, April 3rd at the Historic French Market in the French Quarter, from 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.